Attractions and Places To See around Mouraz e Vila Nova da Rainha e Vila Nova da Rainha e Vila Nova da Rainha - Top 20

Designated a National Monument since 1974, this structure retains the nine upright stones of its main chamber, which is three meters high, and the capstone (covering slab) practically intact. The access corridor to the chamber has 15 upright stones and preserves all the covering slabs, with the dolmen being inserted into a tumulus (or mound, which originally covered the entire stone structure of the monument) approximately 20 meters in diameter. Its construction is believed to have occurred during the Neolithic-Chalcolithic period (between the end of the Neolithic and the beginning of the Chalcolithic), corresponding to the end of the 4th millennium BC. The region where the Orca Dolmen is located shows traces of continuous human activity and occupation since the prehistoric period. It is situated in an area with orographic characteristics conducive to human settlement, being close to a watercourse (the Mondego River) and possessing vast hunting resources. We know that shepherding has been a source of livelihood and income for centuries for the populations of the region, situated on a livestock route between the highlands of the Serra da Estrela and the Mondego valley.

This Orca/Anta is part of a tour circuit: PREHISTORIC CIRCUIT OF FIAIS/AZENHA in Carregal do Sal. https://www.cm-carregal.pt/pages/1027?poi_id=129 ORCA/ANTA from PALHEIRA is located in the megalithic nucleus of Fiais/Ameal. It is a monument of considerable size, which can be placed, architecturally, within the large group of monuments of Beira. It has a polygonal chamber with nine pillars, with an elongated corridor. However, its peculiar characteristics make this monument the rarest and most representative example of the circuit, given that at a somewhat later and yet to be determined period, a considerable barn was built around its central structure, which is part of that farm. Thus, the dolmen remained incorporated within it and was used as a dwelling until the 1970s.

Along the cycle path, between Viseu and Tondela, you will find three catering establishments. Between Tondela and Santa Comba Dão there are none.

I also highly recommend this bike path, a real interstate for cyclists, with asphalt all the way and beautiful surroundings!

Tondela is located approximately halfway along the Ecopista, which runs for almost 50 km between Viseu and Santa Comba Dão. The section of the Ecopista that passes through the municipality of Tondela is characterized by green asphalt, distinguishing it from the other sections. The old Tondela station is a fascinating element of the Ecopista do Dão, a reminder of the region's railway history.

It is one of the largest dolmens in Portugal and one of the best preserved.

Inverted Lily Route

Beautiful cycle path over old railway line. Not many terraces or other catering establishments along the way. And such a cycle path is fun, but you cycle back the same way.